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RESTORATION SLATED FOR
ROCKINGHAM HISTORIC SITE (02/52) Trenton -- The restoration and
development of the Rockingham Historic Site in Kingston
will begin shortly according to Bradley M. Campbell, Commissioner,
Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). The money
earmarked for the project was part of the state's deferred
capital funding, putting the restoration on hold. The $1.8
million was recently released allowing the department to
continue its efforts to replenishment the site. "This project is important to a lot
of people in New Jersey. Rockingham represents an important
part of New Jersey's historic heritage and our nation's
struggle for independence," said Campbell. "Once
restored, residents and tourists alike will have an opportunity
to relive a piece of United States history." The restoration is slated for the main portion of the 288-year-old
mansion, returning its look to the days when George Washington
stayed there in 1783. In addition, the restoration will
include the construction of a new kitchen wing and installation
of new utilities and a geothermal heating and air conditioning
system. Site development will include a remote
parking lot and pedestrian bridge and fencing, as well as
creating walkways to the canal towpath and the house. The
DEP anticipates the official reopening of Rockingham to
the public by the spring of 2003. The historic house was moved closer to
its original site last July to accommodate its restoration
and to increase visitation. Since then, the house has been
placed on a new foundation awaiting restoration. This was
the third move for the house, which was moved in 1896 and
again in 1956. Listed on the New Jersey and National Registers
of Historic Places, it was at Rockingham that General George
Washington wrote his Farewell Orders to the Armies of the
United States, making it the last military headquarters
during the American Revolutionary War. Washington and his wife Martha lived
at Rockingham from August 23 to November 10, 1783. | 
